Hunter 260 Main Sheet difficulty

[wayne lentz]

I took delivery of a 2001 hunter 260 with wheel steering this week. The dealer delivered and set the boat up. On my first attempt to take the boat out I realized that it was extemely difficult if not impossible to get to and adjust the main sheet attached to the cockpit deck directly in front of the wheel pedestal. On my second attempt to take the boat out (same day) I switched the main sheet apparatus around putting the cleated block up near the boom. This was much easier to reach and make adjustments until I got into some 15-20 knot winds. At this time the boat heeled quite a bit and I was unable to uncleat the main sheet. I had to turn into the wind, lower the sails, calm my wife down,and motor in. After discussing this problem with the "old salts" at the docks they came up with the idea of adding a length of line from the boom lowering the main sheet block from the boom to waist high level. This seems to be a little easier to maipulate the main sheet but I would like to know if there is anyone that has experienced the same problem or if there is another way of setting up the main sheet to be compatable with wheel steering?

 

[Dan Johnson]

Mainsheet

WayneI've had my 260 since 1998, and I solo sail most of the time, and I have found that if I sit side ways to the boat, on the high side as she heels, I can steer with one hand, and manage the main sheet with the other. I also have a wheel lock, that allows me to lock the wheel, and then trim the jib sheets. I've sailed to Catalina Island from my home port of King Harbor, about 26 miles this way, with no problems. Just takes a little practice. Good luck and enjoy your new boat.Dan S/V Unruly Julie

 

[Tom]

Cleat at the deck

Hi Wayne,You definately want the mainsheet cleat at the deck. From the helm seat, it is a bit difficult to reach down to release when single handing. With some practice, you can get used to sitting on the bench to either side of the wheel where you can steer with one hand and control the main with the other. I usually use my foot to kick the rope out of the cleat by stepping down on the rope.Fair winds...Tom

 

[Ray Bowles]

Wayne and Tom, In regards to sliping....

main sheet out I resently learned a new trick. Hold the main sheet line in your free line with only about 1 inch of slack. Now firmly and strongly snap it up and then down without pulling it. This will free the line from the cam lock and allow retrival or deployment. This method will work regardless of where your block is and negates using feet, hands etc. Leave the block on the deck! Ray

 

[ED]

DANGER

If you get a fast jybe you do not want the block swing at that level. Also change the cleats for the blocks, I have a 1995 h26 and the lower one one came loose and just missed my wife's face. i do not want to think of what might happen with your block that high.

 

[Paul Schroeder]

I did the reverse

I simple added about 24" of line from the "U" bolt on the cockpit sole in a loop and reattached the main sheet cleat to this line through the loop. Been using it this way for a year w/o any problem. Much easier to dump air in big gust this way.